Carolinas College Histotechnology Program

Histology is a science that deals with the structure of cells and their formation into tissues and organs. Histotechnology centers on the detection of tissue abnormalities and the treatment for the diseases causing the abnormalities.

Interesting Facts

Currently, there are more jobs for histotechnologists than educated people to fill them.

Ours is one of only eight programs of its kind in the United States.

An estimated 85 percent of all diagnostic decisions are based on test results produced by laboratory professionals, including histotechnologists.

Program Overview

Histotechnologists are members of a laboratory team who employ histologic technology to diagnose disease. They prepare and cut very thin slices of human, animal, or plant tissue, mount the tissue on slides, and stain with special dyes making cell details visible for microscopic examination.

The Histotechnology program is a 12-month program that prepares graduates to function as competent entry-level histotechnologists. The curriculum integrates didactic lectures, laboratory training, and supervised clinical experience in the histology laboratory.

Carolinas College of Health Sciences Histotechnology program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Graduates of the program are eligible to take the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Certification exam.NAACLS, 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018; 773-714-8880

Preparing for a Career in Histotechnology

To prepare for a career in histotechnology, you should get a solid foundation in high school sciences, biology, chemistry, math and computer science. You will also need to have completed a baccalaureate degree in biology, chemistry or related science field.

Today, there are more jobs for histotechnologists than people educated to fill these jobs. The need is great everywhere throughout the country. Hospitals, for-profit laboratories, clinics, public health facilities, and industry currently have positions open for qualified histotechnologists. Additional opportunities are available in industrial research, veterinary pathology, marine biology, and forensic pathology.